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Niger crisis needs diplomatic solution devoid of foreign involvement – AFRO-GLOBAL
The Africa Center of Global Engagement and Diplomacy (AFRO-GLOBAL), a policy think-tank, has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to use diplomatic dialogue to find solution and restore democracy in Niger.
In a statement issued last Friday and signed by the Director/Lead Researcher of AFRO-GLOBAL, Professor Lord Mawuko-Yavugah, the centre reminded leaders of the bloc to be mindful of the “too many unanswered issues” that might undermine a credible ECOWAS-led intervention.
AFRO-GLOBAL said while the military takeover was unfortunate, it believed that the situation needed a diplomatic solution and not a military solution.
“Our call is based on the understanding that the military solution has never had a predictable outcome,” it added.
It added that there were reports that suggested that France and the US had over 1,500 and 1,100 troops respectively in Niger. AFRO-GLOBAL therefore, questioned what would be the role of those foreign troops in the event of an ECOWAS led intervention in Niger.
“How would their role undermine the image and independence of ECOWAS?” it asked.
The centre also made reference to reports of the coup makers seeking the assistance of the Russian mercenary group Wegner, asking if ECOWAS would be prepared for a war that might become a proxy of superpowers.
“In view of the general poor economic situation in the sub-region, who would pay for the cost of the intervention? Would it be the struggling economies of the region or a foreign power?” The statement quizzed.
AFRO-GLOBAL therefore appeal to regional leaders to be cautious of the involvement of foreign powers in the ongoing process.
“It appears to any observer that France seems more interested in the return to power of the ousted leader than the people of Niger.
Comments by French officials on the ECOWAS position and the planned military intervention only go to deepen suspicion about the neutrality of ECOWAS,” it said.
Accusing France of being a party to the current crisis, the centre urged France to restrain itself from any issues relating to efforts by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis.
“We therefore urge the French government and other powers to refrain from comments that may undermine the efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
We appeal to ECOWAS leaders to reconsider the military option and allow dialogue and diplomacy to work,” they indicated.
Given that Algeria had so far played a constructively positive role by not appearing confrontational as ECOWAS, the centre urged leaders of the bloc to consider engaging Algeria to play a mediating role in the crisis.
It further urged ECOWAS to engage Russia, China and any other power that might likely come to the aid of the coup makers to prevent them from intervening on the side of the coup makers.
“This will enable the sanctions to be effective. The group must isolate foreign powers (particularly France) from any solution it adopts to resolve the crisis.The sanctions imposed by ECOWAS should be used to negotiate a timetable for a return to civilian rule where every achieved target results in the lifting of specific sanctions,” the statement concluded.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman
The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has issued a strong public statement calling for an end to what he describes as continuous attacks on his brand, following an apology from media commentator Awal Mohammed.
In the statement, Shatta Wale acknowledged the apology but stressed that persistent criticism and what he sees as deliberate attempts to damage his image must stop.
He noted that for many years, he has spoken for the streets, the youth, and people who feel ignored by society, while also promoting Ghana on the global stage and creating jobs through his work.
He expressed concern that some media personalities, commentators, and influential figures continue to target his name unfairly.
According to him, the issue goes beyond music and touches on respect, fairness, and national maturity.
The musician warned that continued disrespect toward voices that represent ordinary people could have wider consequences.
He emphasised that the Shatta Movement remains strong and organized, and that the patience of the masses should not be taken for granted.
He added that if systems continue to fail the people, they have the ability to organize politically through numbers and truth, not violence or hate.
Shatta Wale clarified that his message was not a threat but a reminder of reality, stressing that attacking a symbol that represents millions of people can have social, cultural, and democratic effects.
He called for respect, fairness, and unity, saying the voice of the people will always rise.
The statement comes after Awal Mohammed recently described Shatta Wale fans during a public discussion as junkies.
The comments triggered backlash from fans of the musician, prompting Awal to later issue an apology.
By: Jacob Aggrey
